I went down to my hometown yesterday.
Needed to get a "City" fix.
Truth is, you can take the kid out of the City, but you can't take the City out of the kid.
Can't stay away too long, otherwise I get morose. So, when my beautiful stepdaughter said she needed some help, the BRW and I were packed and on the bus before the cats even had a chance to carry-on about our leaving.
ZOOM!
GONE!
Spring has sprung in the City.
Although you need to pay attention to realize it. The City doesn't scream it out, it just places reminders here and there, knowing that the observant will realize what's happening.
The greenery nestles within the crevasses of architecture, blending and melding the various structures into a cohesive whole.
Softening the harshness of too much traffic, too much liter, too much noise and too many people.
But, then again, that's what the city is all about: Too much.
Restaurant begats restaurant, begets yet another.
Until every space contains something; something to call out, to let you know that humanity lives here, despite the constant changes of existence.
And even those of us that seek to ply a different route: to wander astride the Pegasus of Today, find comfort and familiarity nestled amongst the curbs, beneath the green of spring.
It was a short stay - one day, down and back, but it refreshed me, and I recalled the words written on metal, down at the tip of the City, along the Hudson River:
"I can't even enjoy a blade of grass unless I know
there's a subway handy,
or a record store or
some other sign that people do not totally regret life.
It's more important to confirm the least sincere.
The clouds get enough attention as it is....
Great post.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered what it would be like to live in a small condo or apartment in a big city within walking distance of everything you need. Everything you could need right there within grasp.
I grew up in a rural town in BC that had only 3,000 residents including the surrounding farmland. I live in a city with 50,000 people now so it still isn't too big.
Thank you for the little walk through the city.
Interesting perspective one gets - depending upon from where you come. My high school graduating class had 2,500 students - almost your whole town.
DeleteNow, I live in Portland, Maine - THE largest city in Maine, with a population of a mere 65,000 folks. Me, I think I'm living in a very cute small town - which is something you CANNOT say to Portlanders.
As to your wondering: there is nothing like wanting a cup of coffee and a nice slice of pie, or an omelet made just right - at, oh say, 1 AM, and just bopping out, walking a few blocks to the diner and eating your wish.
Miss it.
Glad you liked the piece.
Mike:
ReplyDeletewhile I like the amenities of a large urban sprawling city, our vacations are usually to places off the beaten track. I don't purposely go looking for crowds. I have never been to New York and have no desire to go there anytime soon.
but Maine . . . that's another story
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Well, Bob, all you need do, is pack some bagels, cream cheese and lox, throw some clothes in the bags and point the front end of your ride east - and before you know it: BAM! you'll be in Maine.
DeleteFrom here we can jump on a bus and zoom into The City for a day of crowds and incredibly diverse food.
So, saddle up!